COLLEGE PARK, MD - September 11, 2024 - IonQ, a leader in the quantum computing industry, and the University of Maryland (UMD), an international powerhouse in quantum research and applications, today announced an agreement to expand their partnership to provide state-of-the-art quantum computing access at the National Quantum Lab at Maryland (QLab). QLab provides UMD-affiliated students, faculty, researchers, staff and partners with an unprecedented opportunity to work closely with IonQ’s scientists and engineers as they gain experience with industry-leading trapped ion quantum computers.

UMD’s investment in quantum spans over 35 years and has produced a world leading concentration of quantum expertise - including Nobel Laureate Dr. William Phillips. The University’s 10 quantum-focused centers have over 200 researchers who have produced 200+ publications annually, and graduated 100+ quantum-focused physics PhDs in the last decade.

As a result of UMD’s investments, QLab has become a quantum innovation hub, driving economic development in the state, while attracting top talent to the region. With substantial allocations to the open science community for high-impact scientific research projects, IonQ and UMD strive to foster connections with universities in Maryland and provide access to researchers globally.

“This partnership strengthens IonQ’s commitment to the state of Maryland, a state that has positioned itself as the Capital of Quantum,” said IonQ President and CEO Peter Chapman. “UMD’s dedication to quantum research, coupled with the collaborative nature of QLab, makes them the ideal partner to accelerate breakthroughs in the quantum industry.”

QLab, a first-of-its-kind lab for quantum research and development, has supported multiple cohorts of undergraduate interns, multiple academic research projects, and multiple companies within UMD’s Quantum Startup Foundry and Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance. Workshops have also been held for government partners such as NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, as well as other events and tours for government and international visitors.

Together with IonQ, UMD is focused on growing the quantum computing user base by supporting research projects that advance quantum computing solutions, enable scientific discovery, and prepare a skilled workforce.